Google has confirmed a software bug in the Android operating system that affects the functionality of the volume control buttons. The issue manifests when the “Select to Speak” accessibility feature is activated. This service, designed to assist users with visual impairments and reading difficulties, reads out content on the screen. When it’s active, the volume buttons begin to control the sound level of the accessibility service instead of the standard media volume. Additionally, when using the “Camera” app, pressing the volume buttons does not initiate a photo capture, which is a common use case for many users. Google Community Manager Aadil Shaikh reported this problem, describing it as incorrect volume button behavior. Information regarding the scale of the issue, affected Android versions, and the timeline for a fix is currently unavailable. As a temporary workaround, users are advised to deactivate the “Select to Speak” feature through accessibility settings, which may be unacceptable for the service’s target audience.
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